Devastating floods in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar division have claimed eight lives, prompting Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to direct officials to provide immediate assistance to affected families. The floods, triggered by three days of relentless rainfall, have inundated vast areas across Bastar, Dantewada, Bijapur, and Sukma districts, disrupting normal life and causing significant damage.
Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma reported that the floods have killed 96 livestock, damaged 495 houses, and destroyed 16 culverts and bridges. Over 2,000 people have been evacuated to safety, with 43 relief camps established to house 2,196 displaced individuals—1,116 in Dantewada, 790 in Sukma, 170 in Bastar, and 120 in Bijapur. Heavy rainfall, with Dantewada recording 118.4 mm and Bastar 121.3 mm on August 27, caused rivers like the Indravati to overflow, submerging 25 villages and blocking key roads, including parts of National Highway 30.
From South Korea, where he is on an official visit, CM Sai conducted a video conference with senior officials, including Revenue Secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale and collectors of the affected districts, to review relief efforts. Emphasizing the government’s commitment, Sai stated, “People should feel that the government stands firmly with them in this hour of crisis.” He ordered immediate relief compensation for families who lost loved ones and livestock, alongside the distribution of tarpaulins, bamboo, timber poles, and cash for repairing homes.
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Sai also prioritized restoring road connectivity, repairing damaged infrastructure, and resuming electricity supply on a war footing. Kangale reported that additional rations have been dispatched to relief camps, and water levels are receding in most areas since the rains subsided on Wednesday night. The Indian Air Force and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have deployed helicopters, boats, and personnel, evacuating over 68 residents from vulnerable zones like Lohandiguda, Darbha, and Tokapal.
Despite improving conditions, connectivity remains a challenge, with roads like Sukma-Konta and Jagdalpur-Sukma disrupted due to flooded culverts. Revenue Minister Verma noted that the Bijapur-Dantewada road has reopened, and efforts are underway to restore other routes by Thursday night. The government is also assessing crop damage, with further relief measures planned once the situation stabilizes.
The floods highlight recurring monsoon challenges in Chhattisgarh, where rivers like the Indravati and Mahanadi frequently overflow. Experts point to inadequate infrastructure, such as poor drainage and low-lying roads, as exacerbating the impact. CM Sai has assured that every affected family will receive timely aid, with rehabilitation efforts being accelerated to restore normalcy.
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